Rasmus Neergard-Petersen Claims Australian Open, Denies Cam Smith
UPDATE: Rasmus Neergard-Petersen just clinched victory at the Australian Open, marking his first major professional title and crushing the dreams of hometown hero Cam Smith. This thrilling finish unfolded in Melbourne on July 16, 2025, as the two golfers entered the final hole tied at 15-under.
The championship came down to the wire, with Neergard-Petersen making a crucial par on the 72nd hole after a challenging drive into the rough. Meanwhile, Smith, who found the green but faced a daunting long putt, missed both his birdie attempt and a follow-up putt that could have forced a playoff. The final score was 15-under 269 for Neergard-Petersen, who secured the win with rounds of 67, 66, 66, and 70.
This victory is monumental for the 26-year-old Danish golfer, who expressed his disbelief after the match. “It’s hard. I’m really at a loss for words. It’s been a battle all day,” Neergard-Petersen stated. “I managed to keep battling and to get it up and down to make that putt on the last.”
For Cam Smith, the disappointment was palpable. The 2022 British Open champion was vying for his first win in over two years and had shown promise throughout the tournament. He entered the final round two strokes behind the leader, equalized by the turn, and briefly took the lead with a birdie on the 10th hole. However, a bogey on the 12th left him tied with Neergard-Petersen as they approached the climax of the tournament.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had this feeling to be honest,” Smith reflected, acknowledging the emotional toll of his recent performance. “I love that it’s the Australian Open. I couldn’t think of a better place to get back into form.”
Rory McIlroy, who also competed, finished tied for 10th after struggling with a total of 11 bogeys over four days, including an unexpected slip on a banana peel during the tournament. Following his final round of 69, McIlroy called for a more favorable schedule for future Australian Opens to attract top players, emphasizing the event’s potential for global appeal.
“There need to be conversations had with people much more important than me that set the schedules,” McIlroy commented. “Hopefully, the Australian Open can find a date that accommodates everyone.”
The Australian Open serves as a significant event on the European Tour’s new schedule, offering the winner an exemption to the Masters and qualifying opportunities for the British Open in 2026. As golf fans digest the thrilling outcome, all eyes will be on how both Neergard-Petersen and Smith rebound from this pivotal tournament.
Stay tuned for further updates on the aftermath of this year’s Australian Open and how it shapes the future of these talented golfers.
